Yesterday’s tragedy in Providence shifted the entire cheerleading community’s focus from routines to real-life crisis. Following a deadly mass shooting at nearby Brown University, Liberty Spirit made the tough call to cancel Day 2 of its cheer competition at the Rhode Island Convention Center, citing law enforcement directives and safety protocols.
Event officials were initially advised not to evacuate, as authorities believed a suspect could still be at large and preferred the building stay on lockdown. But by 9:30 p.m., after coordination with the FBI and Providence Police, RICC officials informed Liberty Spirit that the event could not continue on Sunday.
Despite efforts to delay the decision until morning, Liberty Spirit was told the cancellation was final.
Teams can collect awards on-site at RICC between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday during venue teardown. All results, based on Day 1 scores, will be posted on Liberty Spirit’s social media at 10:30 a.m. Staff will ensure each athlete receives their awards and recognition, even if the celebration didn’t happen on stage.
Liberty Spirit’s director, drawing on past experiences—including event cancellations during COVID-19 and a previous scare in Dallas—shared empathy and transparency in the decision. “This is not my first rodeo,” the statement read. “We all wish this didn’t happen. Yesterday was scary.”
They also acknowledged receiving both supportive and hostile responses overnight, urging the cheer community to understand the unprecedented nature of the situation.
Among those speaking out, Taylor Nolette, a cheer parent in attendance, offered a powerful reflection. “We are an A-List family who was at yesterday’s competition and at NCA last season in Providence, RI. I wish I could say it’s unimaginable that in less than a year our community has endured two events like this, but the painful truth is that this has become our nation’s normal. My heart is heavy for every individual and every family affected, both physically and emotionally,” she wrote. “I want to sincerely acknowledge and commend Liberty Spirit for making the right call. Choosing our children’s safety and mental well-being over profit speaks volumes about their values and integrity.”
According to Providence authorities, the shooting left two dead and nine injured on Brown’s East Side campus. A person of interest—not affiliated with the university—was apprehended early Sunday morning in Coventry, Rhode Island, while in possession of two firearms. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed a suspect was detained and that the shelter-in-place order had been lifted.
Liberty Spirit’s swift response highlights the complex balance between athlete safety and event continuity in difficult environments.
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